Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in children: clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics (data from clinics of Russia and Belarus).

The article presents treatment results for 354 children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) admitted in 1990-1998 to 8 oncohematological clinics of Russ ia and National Belarus Center of Children's Oncology/Hematology. In spite of unification of the patients' diagnosis, the samples of the tumor tissue were obtained and analysed by different methods. Some clinics still practic e puncture biopsy of the tumor though its information is not sufficient for the diagnosis verification. NHL variant was determined according to differ ent classifications, immunohistochemical tests were performed only in 35% o f the patients. Therefore, complex of tests necessary for reliable diagnosi s of NHL in children was conducted in 20% only. Structure of NHL in childre n recorded in the present study differs from that published for USA and Eur ope, i.e. Berkitt's lymphoma - 57%, lymphoblastic lymphoma - 24%. large cel l lymphomas including anaplastic one - 10%, unidentified variant - 9%. Prog rams of polychemotherapy (protocol BFM-NHL-90) have improved the treatment results compared to previously practiced unprogrammed therapy. A complete l ong-lasting remission was achieved in 62% (range between the clinics 39-67% ). In remission induction 11% of the patients died. To improve the results of therapy of childhood NHL it is necessary to raise the quality of the dia gnosis basing on the same classification, to stick to principles of the adj uvant therapy in carrying cut intensive treatment.